The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia announced that historian Aleksei Lankov has been included in the list of undesirable persons after the State Security Service recommended this action for reasons concerning national security. The Foreign Minister, Baiba Braže of the New Unity party, confirmed the decision but noted that the State Security Service would refrain from providing further comments on the matter. Lankov's activities were cited as potentially posing a threat to Latvia's national security, thus warranting his exclusion from the country.

Lankov was reportedly supposed to deliver a lecture titled 'North Korea: what the top wants and fears' at the Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Riga. However, he was detained by police and the immigration service shortly before the scheduled start of his presentation. The authorities have set a ban on his entry into Latvia for an unspecified period, indicating the serious nature of the security concerns. The list of undesirable persons is maintained by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia.

This incident reflects an increasing awareness and proactive stance by Latvia regarding potential security threats posed by foreign nationals. Given the geopolitical tensions surrounding North Korea, the implications of Lankov's activities may resonate not only within Latvia but across the Baltic region as countries remain vigilant against influences that could destabilize their security landscape. The situation underscores the delicate balance nations must strike between openness to academic discourse and the imperative to safeguard national interests.